RIGHT AND LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate right and left ventricular function in patients with chronic lung disease by echocardiography

Patients & methods: 50 patients with different chronic lung disease (obstructive, restrictive and vascular lung disease) admitted to the teaching hospital / Iraqi medical college were evaluated by clinical examination and investigations (Chest x-ray, ECG, Echocardiography and Pulse oximetry) to assess the right and left ventricular function in relation to chronic lung disease.

Results: The results in this study showed that 40 patients had obstructive lung disease, 7 patients had restrictive lung disease and 3 patients had vascular lung disease. 100% of the patients with vascular lung disease, 65% of the patients with obstructive lung disease and 42% of the patients with restrictive lung disease were diagnosed with right ventricular dysfunction which was inversely related to O₂ saturation LV dysfunction was rarely diagnosed in patients with chronic lung disease. It was also found that 59% of the patients diagnosed with RV dysfunction by echocardiography had shown ECG criteria of RVH on ECG examination.

Conclusion: Right ventricular dysfunction is common in patients with second stage chronic lung disease especially when O₂ saturation is >90%, the presence of left ventricular dysfunction is related to RV dysfunction through ventricular interdependence.
 
Keywords: Right and left ventricular dysfunction, chronic lung disease, Echocardiography.
 
Iraqi J Med Sci, 2004, Vol. 3 (1): 22-25